Poll: Obama suffers most in year of turmoil

Dan Balz and Scott Clement

The president lost significant ground in 2013 to GOP opponents as the midterm elections approach. His latest approval ratings are the lowest of his presidency.

Judge says NSA’s phone collection is likely illegal

Ellen Nakashima and Ann E. Marimow

A court grants a request for a preliminary injunction on the call tracking program, but it stays the action pending appeal.

The Air Force replaced new planes with C-130s. (Dustin Franz/For The Post)

Fighting for the military’s future

Rajiv Chandrasekaran

To Air Force leaders, junking a new fleet of planes was all about economics. To National Guard leaders, it was about politics.

Snowden offers to help Brazil probe NSA spying in exchange for asylum

Snowden offers to help Brazil probe NSA spying in exchange for asylum

Associated Press

Documents leaked by the former agency contractor revealed Brazil is the top NSA target in Latin America.

Budget deal appears likely to clear the Senate as more in GOP show support

Budget deal appears likely to clear the Senate as more in GOP show support

Lori Montgomery and Ed O’Keefe

The bipartisan accord, which would roll back sharp spending cuts, looks on track to clear a critical hurdle.

5 myths about Obamacare’s future

5 myths about Obamacare’s future

Eric Patashnik and Julian Zelizer

MONKEY CAGE | What political science tells us about whether the Affordable Care Act will endure.

In Syrian war, extremist faction training ‘children of al-Qaeda’

Joby Warrick

In the “Zarqawi’s Cubs” military camp, the al-Qaeda affiliate passes ideology and skills to young boys.

Opinions

Lessons from the auto bailout

Lessons from the auto bailout

Dana Milbank

Obamacare may be up against a similar undiminished opposition the bailout faced.

The NSA must make its case

The NSA must make its case

Editorial Board

To keep its programs intact, the government must win over the courts and the public.

More Headlines

Florida school named after KKK grand wizard to be renamed — finally

Florida school named after KKK grand wizard to be renamed — finally

Valerie Strauss

In 2007, the School Advisory Council asked the school board to change the name but it refused by a 5-2 vote.

The Year in Review 

Jaw-dropping images of the year

PHOTOS | Twin waterspouts and a fireball from the sky are among 2013’s visual history.

Editors’ Picks

Stories from the Syrian exodus

INTERACTIVE | The refu­gee crisis has shaken the region’s economic, political and religious balances.

18 books every leader should read

PHOTOS | These memoirs, biographies, research books and how-to guides topped our list this year.

Featured Photo Galleries

Photos of the day

Christmas swim, China’s moon rover, N.Y. vintage subway ride and more.

Mandela is laid to rest

Dignitaries and family members gather in his childhood village as South Africa’s former president makes one last journey.

Most memorable animal photos of 2013

What’s not to like? Most photos are cute, although some point out problems facing some of these critters.

Indians pay tribute to gang-rape victim

Hundreds in New Delhi mark the anniversary of a fatal gang-rape of a young woman on a moving bus.

China’s Jade Rabbit lands on moon

Beijing took a significant step toward a manned lunar mission with Saturday’s successful rover touchdown.

‘Lawrence of Arabia’ actor Peter O’Toole dies

Peter O’Toole was one of the acting world’s most charismatic figures. He died Saturday at age 81.

Michelle Bachelet wins Chile presidential runoff

The Socialist wins 62 percent of the vote, making it the most decisive victory in eight decades of Chilean elections.

Wreaths Across America

More than 100,000 wreaths were placed on headstones throughout Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday.

Politics

N.J. bridge gridlock leads to major irritant for Christie

N.J. bridge gridlock leads to major irritant for Christie

Philip Rucker

Democrats seize on bridge lane closures to cast the 2016 GOP hopeful as nasty and corrupt.

More Opinions

The GOP’s Great Depression agenda

The GOP’s Great Depression agenda

Ryan Cooper

THE PLUM LINE | Yes, Republicans really are threatening another debt ceiling hostage crisis.

Lifestyle

It’s been said her shows are erratic, but Lauryn Hill dazzled at 9:30 Club

It’s been said her shows are erratic, but Lauryn Hill dazzled at 9:30 Club

Sarah Godfrey

REVIEW | Back on the road after a prison stint, Hill was fully present and her voice as rich as ever.

Arts

Two opera groups turn to a young audience

Two opera groups turn to a young audience

Anne Midgette

Productions reflect differing goals of writers in relating the art to children.

Local

Medicaid billing at center of investigation into D.C. Options school

Medicaid billing at center of investigation into D.C. Options school

Emma Brown and Ann E. Marimow

Former school leaders allegedly diverted more than $3M to two private companies they founded.

Sports

Wizards’ Beal returns with game-winning layup

Wizards’ Beal returns with game-winning layup

Michael Lee

The shooting guard returns after nine games to help Washington snap a four-game skid,102-101.

Technology

DIY tech-related gifts: Holiday Guide 2013

DIY tech-related gifts: Holiday Guide 2013

Michelle Williams

There aren’t many days left to shop before Christmas, but don’t fret. There’s the do-it-yourself route.

Business

Union to represent some Smithsonian food workers

Union to represent some Smithsonian food workers

Michael A. Fletcher

In a breakthrough, about 220 low-wage workers will be represented by Unite Here in contract talks.

Real Estate

Town Square | Four-acre city retreat lists for $8.9M

Town Square | Four-acre city retreat lists for $8.9M

Michele Lerner

Also Washington Design Center heads to 14th Street.

Federal Government

‘Tis the Season to Brush Up on Ethics Policies

‘Tis the Season to Brush Up on Ethics Policies

Eric Yoder

FEDERAL EYE | The government’s central ethics office recommends that employees read its poetic guide to gift-giving and -getting.

World

More than 100 reported dead in Aleppo airstrikes

More than 100 reported dead in Aleppo airstrikes

Liz Sly

The United Nations warns of a “terrifying” situation as the violence in Syria intensifies ahead of peace talks

Discussions

Web Hostess Live

Web Hostess Live

Q&A TRANSCRIPT | Arguing both sides on Obama’s Mandela memorial selfie.

Diversions

Comics

Crosswords

Mah Jongg

Sudoku

Eggz

Horoscopes

Klondike Solitaire

TV listings